Child to be included
A client is obliged to tell MSD of all their circumstances including the number of children in their care.
If a child is considered to be dependent that child is to be included in the caregiver's benefit.
Client doesn't want to include a child
In cases where the client has genuine concerns about including the child in their benefit (such as concerns about violence from the other parent) advise the client all information contained in their benefit record is confidential.
If MSD has any concerns regarding the welfare of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.
Deciding if a child is financially dependent
When a client states they are receiving payments for a child's expenses MSD must decide if the child is a dependent child of the client.
A child does not have to be solely financially dependent on a client to be considered a dependent child. All that is required is that the child is financially dependent on the person to some degree.
However, being financially dependent on a client is only part of the qualifications of a dependent child. The child must still meet all the qualifications to be considered dependent.
If another person or body is paying for the child's expenses, including payments for the care provided, the child is not financially dependent on the client.
If a client is receiving payments toward the expenses of a dependent child this is regarded as income for benefit purposes.
Parents unable or unwilling to care for child
For Emergency Maintenance Allowance clients, a child whose parents are unable, or in exceptional circumstances, unwilling to support that child may be considered a dependent child.
Care and protection concerns
If MSD believes any child has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, deprived or MSD has concerns about the wellbeing of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Beneficiary must notify change of circumstances section 113 Social Security Act 2018
- Review of entitlement to, or rate of, benefit granted part 6, subpart 3 Social Security Act 2018
- Duty to answer questions asked by MSD schedule 6, cl 1 Social Security Act 2018
- Rate of sole parent support schedule 4, part 2 Social Security Act 2018
